2009 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (377 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 317 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (391 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | CL | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
